Nurseries in Devon
Devon is a large South West county known for its coastline, national parks and family-friendly towns and villages. Covering postcode districts EX1–EX39, TQ1–TQ14 and PL1–PL21 (Devon area), it includes Exeter, Exmouth, Torquay, Paignton, Plymouth (Devon postcodes), Barnstaple, Tiverton, Honiton, Okehampton, Bideford and coastal and rural communities across the county. Families benefit from strong transport links via the M5, A30 and A38, rail routes to London Paddington and Waterloo, and access to beaches, moorland, parks, libraries, children’s centres and well-rated primary schools. Nursery and preschool demand is consistently high in areas such as Exeter, Exmouth, Ivybridge and market towns within commuting distance of the city.
Parents in Devon typically pay £73 per day for childcare, which is slightly 3% lower than the UK average.
- Average Daily Cost
- £73
- Comparison
- -3% vs UK Average
- Total Capacity
- 13,741 places
Nurseries near you in Devon
Frequently Asked Questions
In Devon, private nurseries often accept children from around 3 months old, depending on staffing and availability. School and council nurseries typically offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education begins the term after your child turns 3, with some 2 year olds eligible earlier depending on household circumstances or parental work status.
Across England all 3 and 4 year olds receive 15 funded hours per week, with many working families eligible for up to 30 hours. Some 2 year olds also qualify based on household circumstances, and eligible working parents of children from 9 months old may access funded childcare. Tax Free Childcare provides a 20 percent government top up to help with nursery costs.
Nursery fees in Devon generally range from £60–£120 per day, with higher rates in Exeter, Exmouth, Totnes, Tiverton and South Hams due to demand and limited availability.
All nurseries in Devon are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding overseen by Devon County Council.
Ask about outdoor play areas, use of local beaches or countryside, staff ratios, how funded hours are delivered, and any extra charges for meals, nappies, activities, or extended sessions.
Applying for funding
Devon is covered by Devon County Council, the local authority for this area. Visit their website to apply for early years funding.
Apply for funding on the Devon County Council website
